(Ed. note: Okay, let’s get one thing straight right up front – I’m a writer, not a filmmaker. Whew … Although, with each new clip that I work on, and the more I figure out about all of the awesome capacities of my new Mac and IMovie (love ‘em, love ‘em!!), my skills are improving. I think I finally figured out how to center the clips so that the bodies are not headless, a wonderful feat, albeit a little late for my videos to date. Publisher and partner, Chris Tomlinson, is the Superior Royal Highness of all Things Technical and Video. So I bow to him and apologize for any obvious videography errors in my early works – and promise that future clips will be better. Because headless bodies make him crazy.)

Merry Christmas from the staff at Buscovoice.com!

And we heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight –

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

At right, Pizza Hut manager Rob Brumbaugh, left, presents a check to Deputy Tom Smith, Deputy Tim Johnson and Sheriff Mark Hodges to support the first annual “Shop with The Sheriff” program. At bottom, from left, Lisa Van Donk and Susie Ness of Wal Mart present a check to Deputy Tom Smith, Deputy Tim Johnson and Sheriff Mark Hodges. (Talk of the Town photos by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

By Jennifer Zartman Romano for Talk of the Town, a partner in the Whitley News Network with Buscovoice.com and southwhitley online.com

In an activity that helps brighten the holidays for children in need and fosters the development of a positive relationship between youth and law enforcement, shopping was brisk Wednesday evening at the local Wal Mart store.
As part of the Whitley County Shop with The Sheriff program, local sheriff’s department employees were paired up with needy children to do a little Christmas shopping.
In all, an estimated 22 children participated, thanks to funds raised from several local sources, including donations from Wal Mart and the Columbia City Pizza Hut. Officials are pleased as the initial expectation was that 12-16 might be able to participate this year.
“The more kids we can help, the better,” said Sheriff Mark Hodges.
On October 13, a fundraiser was held at Pizza Hut which, according to store manager Rob Brumbaugh, raised $473 for the project. Brumbaugh recently presented a check to the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department.
The Columbia City Wal Mart store also provided a $1000 grant to the Shop with the Sheriff project.
This is the first year for the event, but with the heightened level of need in the community, Hodges believes it will be very needed by some families. Children were selected for the project with recommendations from local schools, food banks and the welfare department.
The event also has the possibility of laying a foundation of trust and respect for law enforcement officials among children, reducing the level of fear or uncertainty they might feel in seeing uniformed officers.
Each child was paired up with a deputy and another sheriff’s department employee for the shopping trip.
“This is our inaugural event,” said Deputy Tom Smith. “It sounds like fun. We really appreciate what Pizza Hut and Wal Mart have done for us.”

COLUMBIA CITY, Ind. — Faith Christian Academy invites everyone to attend its Christmas Program, “Christmas Around the World” on Thursday, Dec. 17, at Trinity Evangelical Presbyterian Church on us 30 Business West.

The program will start at 7 p.m., and will include presentations from each class about how Christmas is celebrated in various countries, including Ethiopia, Haiti and many European countries.

Everyone will join in singing some Christmas carols. There will be a time of refreshments following. For any additional information call the school at 260-248-4872.

Faith Christian Academy is Whitley County’s only private non-denominational Christian School.

Article contributed

If you hear the children in northern Whitley County laughing a full belly laugh or giggling and singing to top of their lungs, don’t worry they’re just practicing their lines for the 2009 Blue River Church of the Brethren Children’s Musical.

Entitled “Jingle … The Bell Who Didn’t Ring” it seems that the Blue River Jingle Bell Factory has a big problem on its hands … they created a jingle bell who doesn’t ring.

Primary and Junior High Children are all busy practicing their music and lines for this really big production that teaches Jingle that he’s had the ability to ring the entire time if he just does one thing.

So if you hear I’ve got a couple dents in my fender, got a rip in my jeans, never fear because the children are singing songs from Francesca Battestelli. The music featured in Jingle ranges from the popular contemporary Christian artist to Bing Crosby. They even sing a lively song from Psalms.

Written by Robin Plasterer, directed by Laura Meyers and with costumes by Julie Bair you won’t want to miss this popular and traditional event at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13 at the Blue River Church of the Brethren, located at 3040 E 700 North, Columbia City, IN.

This year there is something for the parents and guests to do and someone will win a prize. A Name That Tune form will be included in the bulletin for that evening. The person naming the most tunes correctly during the prelude will win a prize. Winner will be announced the following Sunday. The prelude begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information call 260-691-2605.

The 500 block of South Main street is about to become an electrical master piece combining electricity , music and lights all synchronized together to form an animated light show synchronized to music.

Our theme is “Listen to the Lights” The show features over 22,000 lights twinkling to the music.

The show will run nightly from 6:00 P.M. To 10:30 P.M. Starting November 28th at 6:00 P.M. The only exception is when it is raining. The music can be heard on any fm radio tuned to 95.7 or thru the speakers located with the lights. During non show hours the lights will just be on in static mode. For additional information please visit www.buscochristmas.com

Last years video can be seen here. But there seems to be an audio problem. Wayne?

We heard from Wayne a few days ago and apparently his videos have been muted by YouTube for apparent copyright violations. 11/21/09

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ind. (Nov. 23, 2009) – Parkview Whitley Hospital invites the Whitley County community to share its warmth this winter with the children of the county by participating in the hospital’s first “Mittens for Munchkins” Christmas program.

Beginning Monday, Nov. 23, a Christmas Giving Tree will be located in the hospital lobby and outpatient services area, upon which visitors may hang a new pair of mittens or gloves, a hat or scarf.

“Christmas comes but once a year, and although we believe it is essential to reach out to others at all times, the holiday season is a special time in which to share our blessings,” said John Meister, Parkview Whitley Hospital chief operating officer. “It is our pleasure to invite not only the co-workers of Parkview Whitley Hospital, but the community as well to play a part in this special giving program.”

Sock hats and gloves are available for purchase in the hospital’s Gift Shop, located near the front entrance to the hospital. The gifts will be distributed to families by the Salvation Army of Whitley County following the hospital’s giving deadline of Monday, Dec. 15.

Once again even in this tough economic holiday season Elementary School students and their families came through for those in need during this tough economic holiday season.

Students and their families collected food items for the Whitley County Christmas Bureau, and members of Sugar Grove Church donated money and church member Tina Skinner went shopping and purchased children’s games as well as toiletries and laundry soap for 40 local families.

Families were able to pick up their food packages and holiday dinners at the Churubusco Boy Scout building Saturday, with local Christmas Bureau representatives, Bonnie and Mike Hazen, organizing the pickups and deliveries.

The families will be able to pick up their gift packages at the school this week.

The first grade class of Loree Grimm wrapped packages of Play-Doh, and made ornaments and cards for all 40 families.

Susie Egolf, CES secretary, has been instrumental in the collection process and giveaways for many years.

She remembers when she used to help her mother collect food items and they would help pack boxes in Columbia City for the Christmas Bureau. “I don’t know when we decided to add gifts and toys, but we must have thought it would be nice for them to have some gifts in addition to the food, and it just grew from there,” Egolf said.

The numbers have increased as well, Egolf said, especially this year. “But people came through,” she said.

“I was amazed at everything the students collected and especially by the generosity of Sugar Grove Church (congregation),” Egolf said. “But they are always so good about giving to those who need it.”

Between generosity of the students, their families, local residents and volunteers, the schools, area churches and organizations and the Whitley County Christmas Bureau, it is hoped that they found everyone and all the local families in need will have a merry Christmas, Egolf said.

Loree Grimm and her first grade class proudly display the cards and ornaments they made for some local famillies in need.

Some first graders peruse the piles of games collected for Christmas Bureau families while discussing what they might get for Christmas.

The Whitley County Community Christmas, which included live Nativity display, musical entertainment, vocalists and refreshments, was held on Friday and Saturday evening, continuing a tradition which began many years ago in Whitley County.

The event is entirely run by volunteers under the direction of Laura Gater, coordinator of the annual event.

According to Gater, attendance was down for the event this year – something attributed heavily to the cold temperatures and snow which made travel treacherous.

Gater extended her thanks to the following individuals, churches and other groups who made the event on the Whitley County Courthouse lawn possible this year … for more of this story and more photos go to our Whitley News Network partner, talkofthetownwc.com.

The Whitley County Community Christmas, which included a live Nativity shown at right, was made possible with the volunteered time and effort of many.

(Talk of the Town photo and story by Jennifer Zartman Romano)

In Churubusco:

• The Churubusco Church of the Nazarene, 1000 East Whitley St., will host the musical, “Be Not Afraid,” Sun. Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. The public is invited.

• Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 13733 Wesley Chapel Rd., will host a Christmas Cookie Walk Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1-4 p.m. or until sold out. Cookies will be sold in various box sizes.

Isaac Rinker tells Santa what he wants for Christmas and then smiles for the camera.

• Orizon Real Estate is welcoming Santa and Mrs. Claus to Thresher Ridge near Churubusco on Saturday from 1-3 p.m. There is no cost to participate. Families may bring their cameras, but a professional photographer will be on hand to take photos as well. Follow the signs to the model home. For more information, call 609-6001.

In the area:

• For events in the Columbia City area, go to our Whitley News Network partner, talkofthetownwc.com.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus

• Auburn, Kruse National Military History Museum Breakfast with Santa – 8-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, Cost is $5.

• Franke Park Fantasy of Lights – Enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides and light displays through Dec. 31.

• Festival of Gingerbread – There’s still time to see the Festival of Gingerbread through Dec. 14 at the History Center in downtown Fort Wayne. Call 426-2882 for more information.

• St. Francis Christmas Creche with free displays of nativity scenes – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. through Dec. 12.

• Botanical Gardens Home for the Holidays Showcase – Downtown Fort Wayne, Tues-Sat. through Jan. 4, Call 427-6440 for more information.

• Christ Child Festival – Fort Wayne Memorial Coliseum, 6-9 p.m., Friday, Dec. 12; 12-8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13; and 12-6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14. No admission charge.

• Botanical Conservatory hosts Santa and his (live) reindeer – Dec. 13 and 20, 12-4 p.m. Cost is $4.

For more area events, including sporting, business and kids events, as well as dances, lectures, readings, storytelling, etc., go to the Whatzup.com calendar.

It’s going to be a rough holiday season for many families, not only in Whitley and Noble counties, but across the country. Those in charge of charitable organizations are predicting a record year for the numbers of those in need, due to the stagnant economy and job layoffs.

But you can help make a family’s Christmas a little brighter by giving to the Whitley County Christmas Bureau. The deadline for applications requesting help for Christmas through the Whitley County Christmas Bureau is today, Dec. 1.

The Bureau provides food for the family and toys for the children. Right now, the WC Christmas Bureau is collecting canned goods, commercially packaged food items and monetary donations. If you are interested in volunteering a donation of your time, call Bonnie Hazen at 693-3724.

New and gently used toys are being accepted.

Toys should be in good, clean, workable condition (please include batteries, if needed). To drop off or for pick up call Mike and Bonnie Hazen, the Churubusco area coordinators for the Christmas Bureau.

The Christmas Bureau will be in full operation the week of Dec. 8-13 at the 4-H Center, Columbia City, packing, sorting and delivering the Christmas packages to families across the county.

Churubusco Elementary School is also hosting the Annual CES Food drive. All goods will go to the WC Christmas Bureau and needy families in Whitley County.

Drop off any non-perishable food items, paper products, etc. at the school before Dec. 10 for timely holiday delivery.

Students in grades 1 and kindergarten are asked to bring canned fruits, vegetables, pasta, sauces, etc.

Students in grades 2 and 3 are asked to bring toiletries and paper items such as tissues, toilet paper, toothpaste, etc.

Students in grades 4 and 5 are asked to bring baby items such as wipes, diapers, baby food, etc.

Anyone – not only those with children enrolled at CES – may drop off donated goods before Dec. 10. Call Susie Egolf in the elementary office for more information at 693-2188.

If you know a family in need or would like to adopt a family for Christmas, contact township trustees, Don and Patty Amber in Smith Township at 693-3266, or Mel and Susie Egolf in Green Township at 693-2867. Call the Hazens at 693-3724 if you are interested in helping the Whitley County Christmas Bureau.

If you are a buscovoice.com out-of-state subscriber and want to help those in need in your hometown area, call one of the numbers above (area code 260) to request an address to send a check or money order.

There are many families in need this year. Some may have made the deadline for registration with the Christmas Bureau, Toys for Tots and other charitable organizations – but some may have fallen through the cracks. The township trustees and charitable organizers and coordinators will take care to see that those in need are helped in some way – through an organization, an anonymous gift or through a holiday “adoption.”

Please call today and ask how you can help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas.

The Jorgensen Family YMCA is hosting a shopping trip to Chicago, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 22.

A charter bus will drop off visitors in the heart of Chicago. Spend the day Christmas shopping, touring museums or just browsing with a friend. Participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This popular holiday trip is filling up quickly so don’t delay!

The pick up/drop off location is the Jorgensen Family YMCA, 10313 Aboite Center Rd, located in Indian Trails Park. The bus will leave at approximately 6:45 a.m. and will returned at approximately 10 p.m.

Cost is $40 for members, $80 for non-members.

Wacker Drive in downtown Chicago during the Thanksgiving weekend holiday lighting ceremony.

To sign up, stop by the Jorgensen Family YMCA Membership desk, or call Nikki Surbaugh, Youth and Family Program Director at the Jorgensen Family YMCA, at (260) 432-8953 or email nikki_surbaugh@fwymca.org.

Water Tower Place Mall on the Magnificent Mile in Chicago

The Friends of the Churubusco Public Library will host the 9th annual Christmas Walk Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23 from 2-6 p.m.

Five houses and one church are included on this year’s walk. A closing ceremony with door prizes to be awarded Sunday at the library, 116 N. Mulberry Street, at 6 p.m. Winners do not need to be present to win.

Area churches will be providing cookies in the library as well as the eagerly-anticipated petit fours made by Stephanie Krider. Refreshments will be available at the library Saturday and Sunday from 2-6 p.m.

Santa Claus will be at the library during the Christmas Walk on both days from 2-2:30 p.m. and from 5-6 p.m. Children are invited to stop by and get their photo with Santa.

For more information call the library at 693-6466.

The six Christmas Walk sites are as follows (All summaries are written by the individual home owners and Green Center Church officials.):

The Lillmars home

Larry and Ava Lillmars
6952 E. 150 N.
Columbia City IN 46725

The home of Larry and Ava Lillmars and family is located south of Churubusco, three miles west of Eel River Golf Course. The red, tumbled brick home was built in 1998 and rests on seven acres with a peaceful scenic view.

There are many memories being created in their family household and especially during the Christmas season. You will enjoy the traditional and Swedish decorations along with the special collection of nutcrackers and smokers all bringing the rooms to life. In addition to the special themes in the house, you will want to see the downstairs workshop room, giving way this season to “Santa’s Workshop”.

The Lillmars welcome you to their home and hope the Churubusco Public Library’s 9th Annual Christmas Walk will enhance the joy of your holiday spirit.
Harold Norman
813 Clearview Drive
Churubusco, IN 46723

Books, videos, and recordings are what you will notice as you tour the home of Harold Norman.

The Norman home

The Christmas trees in each room are decorated in various color themes – such as gold, red, and blue.

A collection of ceramic houses is displayed in most rooms. Many nativity sets are on display, as well. There also is a collection of nutcrackers.

Note: Parking during the Christmas Walk will be available at the Good News Baptist Church across the road.

Bob and Janice Parquet
6134 N 650 E
Churubusco, Indiana 46723

During the energy crisis in the 1970’s, Bob and Janice Parquet had plans for a 2-story home, but in the winter of 1976, when the wind chill factor was well below zero and their root cellar was 38 degrees, they switched gears and designed and built an earth-covered house. They had to get a special variance from the zoning board to build this unconventional home. The Parquets designed the home, but Masolite Corporation engineered the structural requirements.

The Parquet home

The footers and side walls were designed more in line with commercial construction and the back wall was designed as a free standing retaining wall.

By using prestressed double T concrete panels, it was not necessary to have a supporting wall running through the center of the home. Natural light filters through the windows on the exposed wall. An indoor greenhouse at the back of the house creates more light. For the three feet of dirt that was placed on the roof, the prestressed, double T concrete panels were designed to hold around 250 lb. per square foot. The roof panels and front wall were installed with a crane. By having dirt on three sides and the roof of the house, it was very energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

In 1983, Bob Parquet was transferred to the Toledo area by Dana Corporation, so they moved his parents into the house. His parents lived in the home until their deaths in 1999. In 2002 the Parquets decided to remove the dirt from the roof and add a second story. The roof became the floor of the second story.

It is a great home for family gatherings. Christmas decorations you will see are traditional. The decorations have been collected over the years. There is a wreath that is decorated with Bob’s grandparents’ fragile ornaments. Lenora Ellen Geiger (Janice Parquet’s mother) made the tree skirts and the wall hanging for the large naivety. Other Christmas wall hangings made and designed by Mrs. Geiger will be on display.
Bonnie and Tom Swihart
14023 McDuffee Road
Churubusco, IN

The Swihart home

Located south of Churubusco off Highway 33, our house became our “Country Retreat” in the fall of 1991. Both Tom and Bonnie grew up on farms in LaGrange County.

Bonnie lived on a dairy farm and Tom’s farm had sheep and hogs. Upon college graduation, Tom accepted a teaching position with Fort Wayne Community Schools. The couple officially became “City Folk.” For twenty-one years they lived in the traffic and hustle and bustle of Fort Wayne. But the country in them never went away. When they found this house all the details came together for them to buy it. Ever since, they’ve enjoyed being in the country.

Bonnie and Tom have two daughters and sons-in-law and have been blessed with five grandchildren. One of their highlights is seeing the grandchildren enjoying the outdoors at their house and fishing and swimming in the pond.

The couple enjoys modernizing their home by taking on various projects. Tom claims to be a handyman of sorts and Bonnie really enjoys decorating. The summer of 2007 they took on their biggest adventure by adding a three-seasons room on the west side of their house. The extra view that it gives them of the neighborhood is much appreciated.

Christmas has always been a favorite time of the year for Bonnie and she really enjoys the lights and trimmings of getting the house ready for the season. Wishing you a very Blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Venture out to McDuffee Road and visit the house in the woods with the Swiharts.
Nick and Debra Uecker
5100 S 100 E-57
Churubusco, IN

The Uecker home

The Uecker family has lived in their home in Green Township, Noble County, since October 1996. The home was designed and built by Nick Uecker with the help of family and friends.

Their love of wildlife, and the hunting and fishing hobbies of the male members of the family, are evident in the home’s decor. Deb has used part of her Precious Moments collection in decorating the music room. Many of the Uecker’s other Christmas decorations have been received as gifts or made by their children throughout the years.

Part of their Christmas traditions include making cookies and candy to give to family and friends. Spending time with extended family on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are also an important part of their Christmas celebration.

The Ueckers look forward to their participation in the Christmas Walk as a way of expressing their Christmas wishes to the entire community this year.

Green Center United Methodist Church

Green Center United Methodist Church
2861 S. 300 E.
Albion, Indiana

In 1907, shortly after a Sunday School was started at the old Green Center schoolhouse, revival services raised about $1,800 through subscription to build a church. Land for the church was donated by William and Fanny Shambaugh. Allen Bortner and Leslie Moore helped plan and erect the building. Much of the lumber came from the farm of Frank Stanley and was cut at a sawmill operated by Burt Herron, located one-half mile west.

Green Center United Brethren Church was dedicated by the Rev. H. H. Fout in the summer of 1909. The church was on a circuit with other churches until 1940 when members decided to withdraw from the circuit and rely on pastors from the surrounding area to conduct services. With no regular pastor the community gradually lost interest and the church closed in 1943.

In 1945 the church was remodeled and reopened and the Rev. Louis Strong was appointed pastor. During this time the church services were often recorded and later broadcast on radio station WKJG. Sometimes Rev. Strong and a group from the church went to the station and did live broadcasts.
The church later became the Evangelical United Brethren Church, which then merged with the Methodist Church in 1969. Physical changes also took place as several remodeling projects were undertaken, culminating in the latest addition of a handicapped accessible fellowship area, kitchen, bathrooms, and office, and enlarged Sanctuary.

Although there have been name changes, pastor changes, and membership changes the church has continued to work for God in the Green Center community and beyond. Our mission continues to be “Win Souls for Christ” as we grow, prosper and spread the word of God to the community and the world.
Be sure to enjoy our annual display of poinsettias around the altar at the front of the sanctuary.